[Fondueset]

One thing that commonly happens in asana practice is an emphasis on pushing - and less on relaxation. Freediving is interesting in this respect because conditioning and relaxation play an at least equal role. With the asanas there is conditioning and, if they are done correctly, de-conditioning; the un-doing of dysfunctional patterning in the body. (if asana is pushed too hard these patterns can be pushed deeper) A result of this can be much more efficient movement - with only those muscles needed being used - and less opposition within the body. (this is also an operant principal in Taijiquan and qigong- rightly practiced) I've been experimenting with minimizing/prolonging the breath in asana as a way of, hopefully, increasing the body's efficient use of energy. More superficially with asana, it is possible to focus in on specific muscle groups etc.

An interesting principle - lifted from the internal martial arts (taiji, bagua, hsin yi) is 'sung' - aka 'moving without moving'. I think of this as movement without the sensation of movement - such that you are, in a sense, 'equalized' with the environment and sensory space and the body moves as a single unit. I've been trying to apply this to monofinning. It definitely works when it comes to getting close to fish.

Pranayama - among other things, can open awareness to the very subtle movements of the spine (this is also used in taiji - all of the spaces in the body are cultivated) which seems to give rise to an increase in available energy/deep relaxation.

For what its worth I always concentrate on deep relaxation/feeling-awareness when diving or exercising - concentrating on pushing/achievement just seems to get me into trouble.